California whale festivals see california vacation. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet, and also relatively easy for humans to witness, especially if you join a guided. The most commonly seen whale along the coast of the big sur is the gray whale. The channel islands national marine sanctuary is a beautiful place where 29 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises have been seen. Highlights of the monterey bay whale watching trip migrating gray whales moving from their winter breeding grounds in baja california northwards to their summer feeding grounds in the bering sea. Twice a year they pass by the big sur on their journey to the feeding and calving grounds in mexico between december and early february and migrate back to the feeding grounds in the bering sea. Whale watching season in northern california starts earlier and ends later than it does further south.
There are 8 adults in the group, and well be travelling in an rv from san diego with the main purpose of whale watching at scammons lagoon, san ignacio, and the sea of cortez hopefully on a trip leaving from loreto. Whale watching in santa barbara, california usa today. It was first identified off california in 1999 and seen in at least 11 different. Southern california whalewatching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. As the summer begins, any of the north american coasts are a great option. The whole population of gray whales migrate past the big sur california coastline twice a year. Welcome to sf bay whale watching safely aboard our coast guard certified vessel, the experienced captain and crew will guide you through san francisco bay and out into the pacific. Whales watching and wildlife cruise, gulf of california. Single passengers and smaller groups can join our boat based on space availability. Humpbacks and finbacks can be seen quite often, too. Trips depart at multiple intervals daily throughout the year providing tourists and locals of southern california with a great opportunity to view marine life. Based on decades of respectful wildlife ecotourism. Monterey bay whale watch has the most repeat customers and locals year round.
The migration is notable for the fact mother whales are accompanied by offspring making their first trip north, and these. We published the first california killer whale catalog in 1997 and now have an updated version with family histories over four generations. Whales watching and wildlife cruise in gulf of california, mexico with dive discovery. Whale watching in california come and experience californias yearround whale fest. Whale watching on the lost coast and at shelter cove,california is a big activity. Northern california whale watching at the whale watch inn. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. Youll catch the best whale watching on the santa barbara channel from late november through april, when thousands of pacific gray whales migrate through the channel. Oct 18, 2017 our favorite northern california weekend getaways that wont break the bank by katie dowd, sfgate updated 6. There are three main species of whales that frequent the california central coast.
Whale watching on the california coast california beaches. Top places for whale watching in california visit california. The whale watch inn is a romantic northern california hotel in mendocino county. The best places to go mendocino whale watching mendocino, ca, is simply breathtaking year round.
Witness the majestic blue and grey whales migrate past the shores of southern california while on a whale watching cruise departing daily from san diego. You can also take a trip to the islands and enjoy great whale sighting and marine life on the boat rides back and forth. Baja california whale watching day trips to book or not to. Led by expert naturalists, full and half day boat tours are available almost every weekend, with opportunities to see blue, humpback, and gray whales, dolphins and porpoises, seals and sea lions, rare seabirds, and other marine life up close. A gray whale and her calf seen from the point reyes headlands on april 29, 2017. Best places for whale watching from shore in southern. The central coast of california offers a lot more whale watching possibilities. The best places to go mendocino whale watching sea rock bed. Whale watching charters for the greater san francisco bay. In march, i found myself 450 miles 720 km south of the international border.
Take a look at our california whale watching seasons and pricing information for your trip. Dana wharf whale watching is great family off the california coast with an outstanding crew and a captain that contributed insightful narrative about whales and their migration seniors over 55 during march can wha. Nancy has a masters of marine science degree from moss landing marine laboratories, has worked with whales and dolphins in the region for over 25 years, and has become an expert in the biology of killer whales off the california coast. They can swim up to 14 miles per hour and can hold their breath up to 45 minutes between breaches, making them a very rare whalewatching sight. The best northern california spring backpacking trips, 2020 northern california is a great place for a spring backpacking trip. Whale watching charter boats that run between the ventura coast and the channel islands are practically guaranteed to be successful. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. Our favorite northern california weekend getaways that wont.
Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whalewatching. Along with the traditional grey whale migration from december through april, the appearance of huge numbers of giant blue whales during the summer and fall months has created a world class. These massive, itinerant mammals travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. All cruises depart from 990 north harbor drive, san diego, ca directions. Several local companies offer whale watching excursions which include other mammal sightings. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet. Forbes takes privacy seriously and is committed to transparency. And near the historic lighthouse at cabrillo national monument.
Whether from land or at sea, san diego is one of californias best spots for whale watching. Prices are per person, with a minimum cost for the boat to go. Gray whales were once called devil fish because of their fighting behavior when hunted. Year round whale watching and a whale watch guarantee available. This is the time of year when california gray whales eschrichtius robustus pass by the coast on their annual southern migration, so start planning your winter trip out to point reyes national seashore to do some whale watching now. Top places for whale watching in california monterey whale watching tours. Whale trips out to the farallon islands or farther out to the continental shelf cost 15 or 25% more due to rising fuel prices and the greater travel time required. Northern california hotel on the beach whale watch inn.
Visit our wine country bed and breakfast for your vacation getaway. Whale watching california the central california guide. Their migration starts in the arctic ocean and ends 10,000 to 12,000 miles south off the coast of mexico. It was mostly gray whales on their way north that were watched. May 27, 2017 79foot blue whale hit by ship washes up dead on northern california beach. Start your whale watching year with ease why not visit hawaii. Monterey bay whale watch whale watching trips on monterey bay, one of the best things to do in monterey, viewing whales and dolphins off the coast of monterey, moss landing, carmel, big sur, and the central california coast. Balboanewport beach the waters just outside newport bay are considered some of the most fertile in california.
Our whale watching trips to the farallon islands islands may encounter other marine mammals including dalls porpoise, whitesided dolphins, rizzo whales, harbor porpoise, elephant seals, northern fur seals, harbor seals and, california sea lions. Offshore lies the gulf of the farallones protected by the greater farallones national marine sanctuary, which provides. There are 8 adults in the group, and well be travelling in an rv from san diego with the main purpose of whale watching at scammons lagoon, san ignacio, and. Whale watching california there are plenty of opportunities for whale watching in central california and for seeing several different types of whales and dolphins nearly yearround. Best places for whale watching from shore in southern california. Whale gulch, sinkyone wilderness state park, california vr panoramas from don bains 360degree panoramas of the northern california coast, coast ranges, and redwood highway. This website features sightings and news provided by observers at observation posts along the entire gray whale. If stood on end, an adult fin whale would be as tall as a sevenstory building, weighing as much as a fully loaded military tank. You may also enjoy northern california whale watching with a glass of wine in the whale watch room or take a local boat excursion. And consider taking a whalewatch boat trip with an experienced company such as bodega bay sport. Point cabrillo point cabrillo light station whale festival march 78 and march 2122, 2020 fort bragg joins in the mendocino coast celebration of whale festival. A worldclass whalewatching destination, baja california is home to over a dozen different whales, including curious gray whales of laguna san ignacio and earths largest inhabitants, blue whales.
Best whale watching from northern california trails. Enjoy the norwegian and icelandic winter and combine whale watching orcas, humpbacks and fin whales. Whale appreciation and environmental awareness are the themes of the day. Hi guys, im planning a trip with my husband for xmasnew years flying into san francisco and flying out of san diego. From the far north to the mexican border, californias pristine waters play center stage to muchloved visitors such as humpbacks and orcas, as well as gray whales, who follow the entire coast on their yearly migration. Monterey bay whale watch is a central hub for a thriving whale watching community in california. Whale watching shelter cove, california on the lost coast. Whale watching has a long tradition in california with the first tours taking place in the 1950ies. This is the time of year when california gray whales eschrichtius robustus pass by the coast on their annual southern migration, so start planning your winter trip out to point reyes national seashore to do some whale watching now the histproc point reyes lighthouse has recently reopened after an. The annual northtosouth gray whale migration along sonoma countys coast peaks during the winter months. The azores are a great spot to meet the migrating big whales.
Island packers has a great channel islands whale watching cruise. Whale watching in early july california forum tripadvisor. Deep sea fishing aboard riptide sportfishing in the half moon bay area in california. An estimated 22,000 eastern pacific gray whales pass through pacific coast waters from december to march, and warm summer months are characterized by the migration of blue whales and humpback whales. The whaleplanner april a whale watching infographic whaletrips. Blue whale are less common along the california coast than grays, but are regularly seen. These whales travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. Jan 26, 2017 forbes takes privacy seriously and is committed to transparency. Newport landing is situated nicely in one of the most affluent whale and dolphin settings of southern california. Southern california offers numerous spots where you can go whale watching from shore.
I have been on at least two other whale watching tours before i went on this one one in seattle and one in cabo san lucas. Trips depart at multiple intervals daily throughout the year providing tourists and locals of southern california with a great opportunity to view marine life in their natural habitat. The central california population of humpback whales migrates from their winter. Join us on a whale watching trip from san francisco or half moon bay. Cruise on the pacific ocean in a sturdy boat with a professional crew, looking for gray whales as they migrate along the coast of north america. The new year always heralds the start of whale watching season on northern california s coast. You will not get as up close as a whale watching but you dont need to worry about getting seasick.
Whale watching southern california is a site that was created with residents and visitors in mind who are looking to go whale watching. California has some of the best marine wildlife viewing in the world. A few thousand of them can be found along the california coast. Here are the best lowmiddle elevation trails in the bay area, northern sierra nevada, lassen national forest, klamath mountains, redwoods, and. With a delicate balance of nature, culture, history, and adventure, theres no shortage of fantastic things to do and ways to immerse yourself in our vacation destination. Thousands of humpbacks gather in the warm waters to mate and give birth. This super saver provides two popular tours at one discount price, allowing you to see and taste the delights of marin, sonoma and napa counties. Whale watching at point reyes point reyes national. For a closer look, book a whale watching cruise with san. California state park ranger guided tours weekends in january and. Blue whale hit by ship found dead on northern california beach. Whale watching season begins again in early december and will run through midapril. We saw three different whale species including blue whales which apparently are notoriously rare to see. Baja california whale watching day trips to book or not.
The new year always heralds the start of whalewatching season on northern californias coast. Our favorite northern california weekend getaways that wont break the bank by katie dowd, sfgate updated 6. If youre planning on going whale watching in the northern part of california, from marin county to the oregon border, this guide includes all the best places to go, when to go, and how to see some of the worlds biggest creatures as they swim just off the california coast. There are more than 20 tour operators and more than 20 designated places for sightings from the mainland. From the cliffs of mendocino to the san francisco bay, there are plenty of places to enjoy whale watching in northern california. Guide whale watching guide downloadwhale watching guide download. Sf bay whale watching whale watching tours in san francisco. On their northern migration they swim close to shore, with their babies on the shore side. Winter whale and elephant seal watching at point reyes. The annual southtonorth pacific gray whale migration hits its stride along the sonoma. Photo courtesy of newport landing whale watching the best places to go whale watching. While some gray whale begin their migration from alaskan waters in october and others dont return to alaska from baja california until june, here at point reyes national seashore, the peak of the southern migration usually occurs in midjanuary and that of the northern migration in midmarch. Whaletrips california the best tips for whale watching in.
The best places for whale watching in northern california. Contact us with your group size and wed be more than happy to provide you a quote. As everywhere along the coast of north america, whale watching focuses on migrating gray whales. Pdf download our local big sur visitors guide in adobe pdf. Whale watching in california pacific coast highway travel. California the best tips for whale watching in california whaletrips. There are no organized whale watching services such as guided tours, or. Whales in northern california are definitely tricky to spot, but the good news is that these wonderful places to view them are so fun to visit they would be worth a trip regardless. Get a unique and intimate view of spectacular whales and other sights in san. Whale watching at point reyes point reyes national seashore.
Big sur whale watching california usa original travel. Hi there, i am travelling with my family to baja california from 29th march 15th april 2015. Text supplied by monterey bay whale watch, a supplier of whale watching boat tours in monterey bay. The gray whales pass the north american beaches and the. Download a sonoma coast state park map or brochure. For one of the best wine country tours from san francisco, combine a visit to northern california wine country with a muir woods experience for a truly fabulous day out. Whether by land or by sea, san diego is one of californias best spots for whale watching. Fishing charters and whale watching charters in eureka, humboldt county, california. Whale watching is possible from any hotel room at the whale watch inn during the migration of these gentle giants from the bering sea to baha, california. Many of the people who come out on our all day trips keep coming back for more.
Scientists and onlookers gathered saturday at a northern california beach to view a 79footlong blue whale a member of the largest species on earth that washed up dead the day before. Neither of the other two tours i had been on even came close to how amazing and spectacular this tour was. The california gray whale or california grey whale eschrichtius robustus is a whale that travels between feeding and breeding grounds yearly. California is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Discover mendocino, california, a northern coastal village offering fresh seafood, hikes in the redwoods, and whale watching. Immerse yourself in endless wildlife experiences on searcher natural history tours signature 12day itinerary to baja california, mexico. Migrating gray whales are the species seen most often in northern california. The graphic above shows the times of year that whales are usually seen along the california coast.
Our favorite northern california weekend getaways that won. Download the pacific gray whales resource newsletter for more information. Download our local big sur visitors guide, in adobe pdf. Every year, thousands of gray whales travel between mexico and alaska, one of the. Up to 23% off whale watching at sea goddess whale watching. Several local companies offer whalewatching excursions which include other mammal sightings. Wine tasting with credit for two or four at idle hour winery up to 35% off.
Best time for whale watching in california condor express. Winter is the best time to view marine life in california, as impressive pods of gray whales take their own vacations down south for the chillier months. We are collecting noninvasive data aboard these trips that contribute greatly to our longterm orca project and have officially formed our nonprofit called california killer whale project. The headlands of the point reyes peninsula offer one of the finest spots to view the gray whale along the california coast weather permitting. Swim with dolphins in mexico, caribbean and jamaica at dolphin discovery up to 39% off. An expert naturalist will be on hand to narrate what you see and answer any questions you may have. San diego provides the perfect launching point for a whalewatching tour in california. Quebec, british columbia, new england, washington and oregon are among the best places in the world for whale watching.
Enjoy the beauty of the ocean with a relaxing ocean sightseeing and whale watching charter. Whale watching in sonoma county parks blog learn sonoma. It reaches a length of about 16 meters or 52 ft, a weight of 36 tons or 80,640 pounds wow and an age of 5060 years. Whale watching on the lost coast and at shelter cove, california is a big activity. Sportfishing half moon bay, ca riptide sportfishing. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000mile journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. They are from 75100 feet long and weigh 100 to 150 tons. You go whale watching almost anywhere along the california coast. Vacation whale watching activities in california expedia. Can anyone recommend which area to go from or who to use for a trip. Join us in big sur to watch humpback whales swim near shore. Since 1991, we have arranged whale watching trips utilizing the best dive and land adventure specialists. Engaging in the longest migration of any mammal, the california gray whale. Celebrate the california gray whale and their successful return from the brink of extinction.
Whaletrips california the best tips for whale watching. Fishing charters and whale watching charters in eureka. Would it be better just to travel the coast line and look from. Whale alert can be downloaded free of charge from apples app store. Use an online guide to find out about tour companies, seasons, and where to watch from land in the mostvisited locations.
There are no organized whale watching services such as guided tours, or charter boats. Monterey bay whale watch is owned and operated by nancy black, the marine biologist who accompanies most trips. I have done many whale watching trips around the california coast but for years i have wanted to visit the whales breeding and birthing grounds. The northernmost of them is mendocino, where there are several high vantage. Bring along some binoculars for the best view, although in some cases you can view whales with the naked eye. Check the whale migration season california calendar and schedule your cruise.